Mission Ridge mtb, October 2014
Had an amazing day riding Mission Ridge with Tom back in October. Gorgeous views with the turning larches, sunshine and being above the cloud deck for much of the ride! Best of all, we skipped the long grueling ascent by car shuttling directly to the upper trailhead. Unfortunately the floury trail conditions we were expecting had turned to mud with a consistency of wet cement, adding considerable challenge to the steep downhill sections of trail. Knee pads are advised!
This and nearby Devils Gulch are both part of the Mission/Tronsen Ridge trail system. Having ridden Devils Gulch twice now, it was great to experience its evil twin. Long sweeping turns, wide open pine-needle singletrack through old growth and sharp switch backs make the upper portion, which is shared by both, an exhilarating ride. The trail then climbs just past the junction and is tedious at times before reaching an aesthetic stretch along the crest of a sharp ridge. A final downhill section merges again with the Devils Gulch trail towards the end. Then up to the top of #2 Canyon and down to my car in Wenatchee, which we drove back up to retrieve Tom’s car. The verdict is still out as to which of the two is best, so try both and decide for yourself…
This and nearby Devils Gulch are both part of the Mission/Tronsen Ridge trail system. Having ridden Devils Gulch twice now, it was great to experience its evil twin. Long sweeping turns, wide open pine-needle singletrack through old growth and sharp switch backs make the upper portion, which is shared by both, an exhilarating ride. The trail then climbs just past the junction and is tedious at times before reaching an aesthetic stretch along the crest of a sharp ridge. A final downhill section merges again with the Devils Gulch trail towards the end. Then up to the top of #2 Canyon and down to my car in Wenatchee, which we drove back up to retrieve Tom’s car. The verdict is still out as to which of the two is best, so try both and decide for yourself…
